Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1887-01-12
GlUYCrillS.

In one respect, at least, Thomas J. Cluve-
RUS, the condemned man who is 10
hang Friday, is the most remarkable prison
err known in Virginia. Despite the assur.
ance Of counsel aud friends that his days of
life will not extend beyond this week, he
does not believe that he will be hanged FIJI
day. This hope seems to have buoyed him
all through his remarkable career as pris,
oner. He is supersttious in this respect.
He has never believed that he would be ex-
ecutcd This in measure accounts for his
strange exhibition Of nerve. He has been
very credulous so far as his case has pro
ceeded, and each motion OF his counsel has
excited wild hopes in his breast. He be-
lived that he would get new trial in the
Supreme Court. He believed that the Gov
ernor would grant him new trial, and fin
ally be was convinced that the Legislature
would meet in extra session and override
the action of the courts. Last night he was
engaged in close conversation with his coun-
sell and his more than usually excited man.
ner leads to the belief that his hopes of par
don have been considerably revived. A
delegation of the Friends denomination
called upon Governor Lee yesterday in be
hslf Of the prisoner They asked permits
sion to pray with the Governor, and the
Governor, who has undergone some re
markable experiences in his varied career,
and especially during the progress of this
Cluverus case, YVES put in the novel posi-
ton of presiding at TINKER meeting. The
Governor and General WINS. G. Wickham
both went down on their knees. Cluve,ius
has written in the album OF Capt. Cunning
ham, the religious singer, who often visits
him, the following:
"Capt Frank w. Cunningham Let me
say hat no words of mine can properly
thank you for the cheer and comfort you
have brought. NE in my lonely hour by
your sweet music Whatever others may
say or think l can say to you: am limo
cent. May we all meet in heaven, where
sorrow is not; we shall sing on that beauti
ful shore.
THOMAS ]. CLUyERIUs.
January 10, 1887.
Several persons called at the Jail yester-
day to see Cluverius, but he declined to
give them audience, saying he did care to
see any visitors. He does not like to be
gazed at by persons who call to see him
simply out of curiosity. He was engaged
while writing, but what he wrote no one
but himself knew. In his book he does not
make confession; but argues his case and
reviews the evidence with ability. He has
written will, as it were, distributing his
personal effects. He has very little person.
al property, but what he has he will give
to those "near and dear to him." Deputy
Sergeant Macon said yesterday that no less
than thousand persons had made applica
ton to witness the execution. No persons
will be admitted into the jai-yard
to witness the execution except sworn
officers. The members of the press
delegated to report the hanging will
be sworn in as officers of the law
Mr.. John B. Crenshaw called upon the
Governor yesterday in behalf of the con
dernned man. Mr.. Crenshaw has sent the
Governor petition asking for commuta-
tion Of sentence. The counsel for the pris-
oner yesterday gave notice that they would
apply to the Governor to-day for another /
respite. Mr. Bev. 7. Crump appeared be-
fore Judge Atkins yesterday, and raised the
question IS TO the right of City Sergeant
Smith 10 carry out the mandate Of the court |
in regard to the execution Of Cluverius, as 7
Mr. Smith bsd not qualified by giving bond
10 the city council as required by the char
ter Judge Atkins informed Mr.. Crnmp
that he would look into the question. 1t
appears that the point raised will be with
put avail. ]